STATE COLLEGE, Pa. — Penn State is riding big expectations this season coming off an unexpected Big Ten title. And, there is a lot to like about the 2017 Nittany Lions. [ MORE: Dienhart: 5 things I learned | DaeSean Hamilton Facebook Live ] Here are some fun takes from a practice we watched Wednesday on a sun-splashed day. Most impressive player: RB Saquon Barkley. This is easy. The 5-11, 228-pound Barkley already looks like an NFL back. Talking to PSU broadcaster and ex-Nittany Lion LB great Jack Ham, he compared Barkley’s lower body to Earl Campbell. Top specimen: DE

One thing most college football fans can agree on is that surprise scholarship videos never get old. Minnesota and new coach P.J. Fleck nailed the latest entry, this one rewarding kicker Justin Juenemann.

Penn State is coming off a stunningly surprising season that saw the Nittany Lions win the Big Ten title in James Franklin’s third season. Here's what BTN.com senior writer Tom Dienhart will be watching at practice Wednesday.

Chris Ash has his work cut out for him as he enters his second season coaching Rutgers. He is upgrading the roster, but the process takes time. See what BTN.com senior writer Tom Dienhart learned at Rutgers practice Tuesday morning.

Rutgers AD Patrick Hobbs has accomplished plenty in his year-plus at the school. One of the many things: The football team's new practice facility. Hobbs gave BTN.com senior writer Tom Dienhart a tour of the new digs Tuesday.